Early Care and Education Programs
Rebuilding Capacity for Quality
Child Care Services Association
To ensure that children receive the best developmental support possible, each child care center is evaluated to confirm they meet state requirements. The Rebuilding Capacity for Quality (RCQ) program prepares child care centers for their state assessments by providing coaching and technical assistance to improve the quality of care they provide. We work with centers to identify what the directors and/or teachers need. Directors receive training regarding administrative duties- staff recruitment and retention, re-engaging families, marketing, and navigating financial challenges- and professional development. Teachers receive support enhancing their classroom learning environments and instructional techniques. Rebuilding Capacity for Quality works to make sure that children aged birth to five in Orange County will have access to high-quality learning environments that meet the needs of their cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development, creating a foundation for success in life. In the long term, child care centers will implement more meaningful interactions, transitions, and curriculum alignment resulting in a greater gain in social and academic outcomes.
Contact: Monnie Griggs
919-403-6950
MonnieG@childcareservices.org
Spanish Language Early Childhood Educators Community of Practice
Orange County Partnership for Young Children
The Spanish Language Early Childhood Educators Community of Practice (COP) works to bolster native Spanish-speaking child care providers in Orange County. There is no data on how many of the teachers countywide are native Spanish speakers, but OCPYC estimates it could be as high as 15- 20% based on our experiences in the field. Many of these teachers are not English proficient and therefore struggle to achieve the education they need to provide quality care to children. The COP provides opportunities for Spanish-speaking child care providers to learn and share professional knowledge in a community of Spanish speakers. Through meetings and workshops, participants will improve their teaching practices, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and increase their professional network.
Children with native Spanish-speaking teachers participating in this program will be better prepared for school.
Contact: Claudia Ladino Rubiano
984-677-2235
cladino@orangesmartstart.org
Child Care Subsidy
Orange County Department of Social Services
This activity provides administration for child care subsidy including program administration; family outreach and application; eligibility determination; payment processing; annual recertification; and reporting, etc. Financial assistance is paid on a direct per child basis for the purchase of care and enhancements for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligible or Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) eligible families. This activity is implemented through the state-level subsidy contract.
Contact: Tina Clark
PO Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278
919-245-2849
Cclark@orangecountync.gov
Child Care Subsidy Enhancements
Orange County Partnership for Young Children
This program provides financial assistance to be paid on a direct per child basis for subsidy for families eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). This activity may include subsidy rate enhancements. Enhancements are available for: facilities with a star rating of four or better with priority to sites participating in Smart Start programs; children in the birth to five year age group; and/or facilities serving as a demonstration site. Enhancements are not pro-rated for partial attendance months. Payments may include purchase of care and/or enhancements for wrap-around care for children attending other publicly funded part-day programs such as NC Pre-K, Head Start or Developmental Day Schools.
Contact: Linda Hindman
919-967-9091
NC Pre-K Match
For more information about NC Pre-K, click here
Orange County Partnership for Young Children
The financial assistance provided by this program is paid on a direct per child basis for the purpose of enhancing the NC Pre-K rate for children enrolled in and being served through NC Pre-K and whose families are eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF). It does not include wrap-around care. Enhancements are available for NC Pre-K sites that are public school sites, private sites and Head Start sites. Enhancements are not pro-rated for partial attendance months.
Contact: Linda Hindman
919-967-9091
NC Pre-K Quality Enhancement and Support
For more information about NC Pre-K, click here
Orange County Partnership for Young Children
This activity provides a comprehensive approach to improve skills, knowledge, and goal setting through training and Consultation/Coaching to child care providers participating in the Orange County NC Pre-K program. Consultation services are collaborative and facilitate the resolution to improve the area of focus. Coaching builds upon the providers’ knowledge and skill level in order to meet the NC Pre-K requirements. Other program support, including non-cash grant awards, are provided as needed. Funds may be used for meeting/conference expenses.
Contact: Arlene Owens
984-677-2211
aowens@orangesmartstart.org